Communications Officer at Shining Hope For Communities

Job Description

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) is a non-profit organization based in Nairobi, Kenya and New York, NY that combats urban poverty and gender inequity in the slums of Nairobi. Kennedy Odede, who grew up in the Kibera slum, founded SHOFCO in with a focus on youth and gender empowerment. SHOFCO has four initiative areas: education, health, economic and community empowerment, and water and sanitation. The organization is currently active in the Kibera and Mathare slums of Nairobi.

Role Overview:

The Communications Officer will be responsible for implementing the communications strategies to promote SHOFCO’s work, engage stakeholders, amplify our impact, and build relationships with our key constituencies, most notably, funders. Working closely with the communications and advancement team, you will create compelling content, manage media relations, and support the organization’s branding and messaging initiatives. The successful candidate will be a creative storyteller, a strategic thinker, and a skilled communicator with a passion for social change and community empowerment.

Responsibilities:

Execute communications strategies to enhance SHOFCO’s brand visibility and reputation. Create compelling content, including press releases, articles, blog posts, newsletters, brochures, program verticals, social media posts, and website copy, that effectively communicates SHOFCO’s mission, programs, and impact. Manage media relations activities, including building relationships with journalists, pitching stories, and coordinating media interviews and coverage. Monitor media coverage and industry trends to identify opportunities for proactive engagement and respond to media inquiries in a timely manner. Support the development and maintenance of SHOFCO’s brand identity, ensuring consistent messaging and visual representation across all communication channels. Collaborate with internal teams to gather information, stories, and data to develop impactful communication materials and campaigns. Support the management of SHOFCO’s social media platforms, creating and scheduling engaging content to drive audience engagement and growth. Support the planning and execution of events, campaigns, and initiatives to promote SHOFCO’s programs and engage key stakeholders. Monitor and analyze communication metrics and provide regular reports on the effectiveness and impact of communication efforts. Stay updated on industry best practices, emerging trends, and new communication tools and technologies, and make recommendations for continuous improvement.

Qualifications and requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field. Master’s degree is a plus. Proven experience (5+ years) in communications, public relations, or related roles, preferably in the non-profit or social impact sector. Excellent written and verbal English communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling stories and messages for diverse audiences. Strong understanding of media relations, with experience in building relationships with journalists and securing media coverage. Proficiency in creating content for various channels, including press releases, articles, blogs, social media, and websites. Experience using social media management tools such as Hootsuite, and email marketing tools such as Emma and Mailchimp. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines. Creative mindset with the ability to think strategically and develop innovative communication approaches. Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. Passion for social justice, community development, and making a positive impact.